You can add a video without restarting only if the playout system feeding your encoder can add it to the active queue while the encoder stays connected to YouTube. Copying a file onto EC2 is not enough: the running playout process must recognize and schedule it. The exact steps depend on your encoder and queue setup; editing an FFmpeg concat list is not a documented, universal hot-reload method.
Separate uploading a file from adding it to playback
There are two distinct operations: transferring a video to the EC2 instance, and adding that video to the media sequence the encoder is currently sending. The first changes what is stored on the server. Only the second changes what viewers receive.
YouTube’s encoder workflow has the encoder send content to YouTube using a stream URL and stream key. It does not describe uploading a file to EC2 as an operation that inserts the file into a running broadcast. The playout component between your files and the encoder must handle that change.
Keep the YouTube connection running
- Set up the YouTube live stream. In YouTube Studio, create or schedule the stream and copy its stream URL and key into your encoder configuration. Treat the key like a password. YouTube explains the encoder workflow in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Leave the encoder’s output session connected. The encoder should keep sending the current playout output to YouTube while you update the media queue. YouTube’s documented end action is to stop sending content from the encoder; stopping the sender can interrupt or end the live session.
- Transfer the new video to EC2. Use the file-transfer method already configured for your instance. Put it where the playout system can access it, and confirm the transfer is complete before queuing it.
- Add the file through the playout system. Use that encoder’s queue, playlist, watched folder, controller, or other documented mechanism. Verify that it has recognized and scheduled the file while the current output remains connected.
- Check the result. Monitor the encoder output and YouTube’s live preview. Test the procedure in your actual configuration before relying on it for continuous playback; a seamless transition is not guaranteed without verification.
What to expect from an FFmpeg concat list
FFmpeg’s concat demuxer can read a list of files sequentially, provided the files have compatible streams, codecs, and time bases. Its documentation describes reading a sequence; it does not promise that an already-running FFmpeg process will reload a list file after you edit it. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Therefore, do not assume that appending a filename to the list on disk will make the active process play it. If your current setup uses the concat demuxer, check its exact behavior and test a queue update before using it for a live broadcast. If it cannot accept additions while running, you need a playout/controller mechanism that can, or a planned restart—with the understanding that stopping the encoder may interrupt the YouTube stream.
Choose the architecture that matches the job
- EC2-hosted encoder and playout: appropriate when you already run the encoder and media sequence on EC2. The no-restart procedure depends on your operating system, encoder command, file formats, and queue mechanism.
- AWS Elemental MediaLive: a managed media service, not simply an EC2-hosted FFmpeg process. AWS documents RTMP push and other input types; its solution architecture can encode and originate adaptive-bitrate HLS delivery. Review the MediaLive input documentation and Live Streaming on AWS solution overview to determine whether that separate workflow fits your needs. These sources do not establish a cost or performance comparison for your workload.
Troubleshooting
- The upload completed, but viewers still see the old video: the file may not have been added to the active playout queue. Confirm that the playout system can see and schedule it; storage alone does not change outgoing playback.
- The new file does not appear in the sequence: check that the transfer finished, the file is in the location the playout system monitors, and its format is compatible with the existing sequence.
- Editing the concat list has no effect: an active FFmpeg process is not documented to hot-reload the list. Use a supported dynamic queue/controller or plan a controlled change rather than assuming the edit took effect.
- YouTube reports that the stream is not receiving content: check that the encoder is still running and sending to the configured server URL. If the stream key was reset, replace the old key in the encoder; YouTube describes resetting a key in Manage live stream settings.
- A transition stalls or playback breaks: validate file compatibility and test the queue operation with the same encoder and settings. The available documentation does not guarantee uninterrupted transitions for an unspecified setup.
Copyright and the right to stream the video
Before adding a documentary or other recording to a live queue, make sure you have the rights to stream it on YouTube. Uploading a file to your own server does not grant those rights. YouTube’s encoder workflow does not replace the platform’s copyright rules.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for keeping uploaded videos or playlists live without leaving an EC2 instance, computer, or home connection running. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded content and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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